John Monrean of Olean Trail, Summerville, PA, died on July 6, after a 26-day battle at Clarion Hospital. He was 95 years of age.

John was born October 1, 1922, to Andy and Olive Sayers Monrean and was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He married the girl next door, Hulda Mary Rankin on March 9, 1946. They were married 48 years before her death in 1994.

He later married Dot Terwilliger, who survives. John and Dot were happily married 24 years. He always bragged about her cooking and good pies!

Big John, as he was affectionately known, graduated from Clarion Limestone in 1941. He started to work at Owens-Illinois the day after and worked there for 41 years. He was drafted into the Army in 1943 and served in France and Germany for three years with the 175th infantry before his honorable discharge. He then went back to O-I and was Selecting Department Supervisor many years before he retired.

John is survived by his children, John (Sue) Monrean of Brookville, Jerry (Pat) Monrean of Summerville, Patti (Ed) Miller of Brookville, and Mary Diane (John) Orange of Shippenville. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and several special nieces and nephews.

Big John was well known for his sharp wit and being a colorful storyteller. He loved reminiscing about his Army days and life on the farm as a kid and O-I. His avocation was farming and raising beef cattle at Peaceful Valley Farm. He also enjoyed golfing, and traveling to Europe, Hawaii, many states, and especially Florida. John was a graceful ballroom dancer in his prime and he belonged to the “Fiddlearounds” square dancing group with Hulda.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory, 330 Wood St. Clarion. An additional visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday to be followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at the Pisgah Presbyterian Church in Corsica with Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating. Military honors will be accorded by Funeral Honor Guard of American Legion Post 66. Interment will follow in the Pisgah Cemetery.

Donations can be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or 1-800-822-6344. Local donations suggested for Sutton-Ditz House Museum, 18 Grant Street, Clarion, PA 16214.

Friends and family may send online condolences, order flowers and memorials, and obtain additional information by visiting www.goblefh.net.